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The Edge of Tomorrow is no different than other mass produced blockbuster flicks, but it manages to be engrossing, funny and entertaining with inspired casting and a well written screenplay.

The epic action of “Edge of Tomorrow” unfolds in a near future in which an alien race has hit the Earth in an unrelenting assault, unbeatable by any military unit in the world. Major William Cage (Tom Cruise) is an officer who has never seen a day of combat when he is unceremoniously dropped into what amounts to a suicide mission. Killed within minutes, Cage now finds himself inexplicably thrown into a time loop-forcing him to live out the same brutal combat over and over, fighting and dyingagain…and again. But with each battle, Cage becomes able to engage the adversaries with increasing skill, alongside Special Forces warrior Rita Vrataski (Emily Blunt). And, as Cage and Rita take the fight to the aliens, each repeated encounter gets them one step closer to defeating the enemy.(C) Warner Bros

The Edge of Tomorrow is a loopy sci-flick which proves that good execution and casting can elevate a typical blockbuster film.

The director makes the most out of its premise while staying close to the narrative. The screenplay is purposeful and well-written. As a result Cage’s journey, as well as the romance, develops organically. It doesn’t look contrived or forced.

The cast delivers great performances, with Tom Cruise proving that he can still carry a blockbuster film on his ageing shoulders. Fortunately the film didn’t reduce them to stereotypes – Cage isn’t a soldier but he’s also not a reckless idiot that always get saved and schooled by the bombshell, whose tough exterior is broken down by his endearing foolishness.

On the other hand the film has all the markings of a typical blockbuster flick – the reluctant hero’s journey, the bad ass chick love interest, the scientist/sidekick, the crew of misfits, and an apocalyptic event which provides plenty of opportunity for action and explosions. And of course, the neatly wrapped up ending.

But at the same time, Edge of Tomorrow isn’t pretending to be something its not. There are serious ideas here that are barely touched – the eventual tediousness of immortality, war-weariness and the futility of war. The film chooses to concentrate on what it’s good at and ends up producing something new out of the familiar.

It lacks the sophisticated sheen of Looper but Edge of Tomorrow is a well-executed sci-fi thriller that provides some black humor, fun action and a gripping plot.